Mehrtens a big contributor - Cheika

Michael Cheika joked that Andrew Mehrtens should keep backing against his Waratahs side after they won the Super Rugby title.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika joked that Andrew Mehrtens should keep backing against his outfit after the Australians won the Super Rugby title.

Saturday's 33-32 victory which came via a last-minute Bernard Foley penalty was a result 'Tahs kicking consultant Mehrtens wasn't wanting.

The former Crusaders fly-half has been helping the Waratahs kickers for one day a week, but admitted pre-game his support would be with his old charges, something that head coach Cheika joked about in the aftermath of the epic final.

"Well, the two times he has tipped against us we have won," he told stuff.co.nz. "He can keep tipping against us, no problem whatsoever.

"They had the hangman's noose out for him on Thursday but, in saying that, the man (Foley) kicked a goal from just a touch outside his range, under pressure, under the guidance of Andrew.

"Even though he has had a small involvement, around a day a week, and sometimes not been there - every little inch counts. In a way he has a big contributor to the result."